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zagfros's reviews
372 reviews
Evocation by S.T. Gibson
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Dark academia, gothic horror, fantastic prose & lovable characters mixed together gives you Evocation. David, Moira & Rhys are a wonderful addition to S.T. Gibson's track record of well written characters. David's character growth over the course of the book was natural thanks to Moira and the start of their friendship (then relationship) was a standout for me. Moira deserves the world!
The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and it did not disappoint! The world building, characters and banter were fantastic and the humour??? 10/10
Hani & Seokga are a brilliant enemies to lovers couple and as mentioned before, the banter was perfect. The evolution of their relationship over the book was so natural and took time to build up as Hani first decides to become his assistant for her own safety and a tiny bit of mischief... Roadtrips, stakeouts and fairy bargains all help bring the two closer together and it makes for a super fun read.
The investigation itself is also really well done, the clues are all there for the reader to uncover alongside Hani & Seokga. If you're a fan of urban fantasy, kdrama, enemies to lovers romance & thrilling investigations then look no further.
Thanks to Netgalley & Hodder & Stoughton for the arc. I really loved this one!
Hani & Seokga are a brilliant enemies to lovers couple and as mentioned before, the banter was perfect. The evolution of their relationship over the book was so natural and took time to build up as Hani first decides to become his assistant for her own safety and a tiny bit of mischief... Roadtrips, stakeouts and fairy bargains all help bring the two closer together and it makes for a super fun read.
The investigation itself is also really well done, the clues are all there for the reader to uncover alongside Hani & Seokga. If you're a fan of urban fantasy, kdrama, enemies to lovers romance & thrilling investigations then look no further.
Thanks to Netgalley & Hodder & Stoughton for the arc. I really loved this one!
The Cull, Volume 1 by Kelly Thompson
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The comparison of The Goonies meets Something Is Killing The Children immediately got my attention and The Cull didn't disappoint when compared to those two. I'd also say fans of Super 8 & Monsters should check this out. The art style is really unique which I appreciated & when they were all in the liminal space, the use of colour was fantastic & the sense of scale in certain scenes really helped bring everything together.
I didn't expect where the story was headed whatsoever after they went into the liminal space and it just continued to improve per issue whilst really building up the tension. It was also a surprise how much character backstory could be weaved into just a few issues but this really helped flesh out the group and I'm glad for it.
Whilst the ending works fine as is.... I wouldn't say no to more!
Thanks to Netgalley & Image Comics for the arc.
I didn't expect where the story was headed whatsoever after they went into the liminal space and it just continued to improve per issue whilst really building up the tension. It was also a surprise how much character backstory could be weaved into just a few issues but this really helped flesh out the group and I'm glad for it.
Whilst the ending works fine as is.... I wouldn't say no to more!
Thanks to Netgalley & Image Comics for the arc.
Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I adored this book! The world building & city of Tiankawi brought this book alive, every part of the city & it's people were fascinating. The urban fantasy setting within a partially submerged city alongside all these aquatic mythical creatures was just so unique and riveting! Having the pov characters take us to different parts of the city and show us it's people really helped paint a vivid and detailed picture of life in Tiankawi.
The characters have such range in their personalities, it really helped build my attachment to them & even the minor side characters stood apart. I hope we see more of Nami & Eun in the future (and less of a certain kelpie 😤). I look forward to seeing Mira's next steps and more growth from Nami after the ending of this story.
The ending is great and sets up the rest of the series perfectly, I can't wait to learn more about the world, gods and what happens next to the city, let alone all the characters and the folk who live in it.
Thanks to Netgalley & Little Brown Book Group for the arc!
The characters have such range in their personalities, it really helped build my attachment to them & even the minor side characters stood apart. I hope we see more of Nami & Eun in the future (and less of a certain kelpie 😤). I look forward to seeing Mira's next steps and more growth from Nami after the ending of this story.
The ending is great and sets up the rest of the series perfectly, I can't wait to learn more about the world, gods and what happens next to the city, let alone all the characters and the folk who live in it.
Thanks to Netgalley & Little Brown Book Group for the arc!
Voyage of the Damned by Frances White
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Danganronpa meets Murder on the Nile with a dash of magic. Voyage of the Damned was a nonstop adventure with Dee, Wyatt & Grasshopper investigating the murder of the Emperor's daughter.
The clues are there from the very start of you're observant enough to get them! Once the reveals were made everything clicks into place, the added mystery of the other Blessings really helps add to the mystery. You might have suspects but tying up murders to blessings was an added layer of complexity.
Overall, I really liked this book! The characters were all amazing and Dee's sense of humour was brilliant and helped lighten up some of the darker parts of the book. The unique world & magic system really helped flesh out the story & the mystery was well tied up and as mentioned before the clues are all there for you not just for the murder but for the blessings + other altercations on the ship.
The clues are there from the very start of you're observant enough to get them! Once the reveals were made everything clicks into place, the added mystery of the other Blessings really helps add to the mystery. You might have suspects but tying up murders to blessings was an added layer of complexity.
Overall, I really liked this book! The characters were all amazing and Dee's sense of humour was brilliant and helped lighten up some of the darker parts of the book. The unique world & magic system really helped flesh out the story & the mystery was well tied up and as mentioned before the clues are all there for you not just for the murder but for the blessings + other altercations on the ship.
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Grace Curtis has done it again! Floating Hotel is her new cosy sci-fi novel with a unique structure. The multiple points of view showing us snippets of backstory and the roles of the passengers & crew of the Abeona was wonderful and I loved seeing all the different perspectives & personalities.
Some of my favourites were Ooly & Azad's work on decryptic a code, Dunk's hunt for an Ox, Reggie's film nights & Uwade's search for the sonnets. Throughout it all there's an over arching plot which is full of secrets and helps propel the story along.
Overall, this is another fantastic novel from Curtis and once again shows she knows how to write such unique characters & craft amazing settings. Looking forward to her next novel and a big thanks to Hodder & Stoughton + Netgalley for the arc!
Some of my favourites were Ooly & Azad's work on decryptic a code, Dunk's hunt for an Ox, Reggie's film nights & Uwade's search for the sonnets. Throughout it all there's an over arching plot which is full of secrets and helps propel the story along.
Overall, this is another fantastic novel from Curtis and once again shows she knows how to write such unique characters & craft amazing settings. Looking forward to her next novel and a big thanks to Hodder & Stoughton + Netgalley for the arc!
A Haunted Girl #3 by Ethan Sacks, Naomi Sacks
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A Haunted Girl will resonate with many even with it's supernatural elements. We follow Cleo exiting the hospital & her return to a daily routine whilst battling depression. The scenes at school will strike a chord with many, as Cleo tries to make it through the day despite everything. Let alone her part in a prophecy to take down Izanami!
So much is packed into this graphic novel in backstory alongside the current timeline and it really helps bring everything together. Hiro's identity was also a real gut punch...
The art style & in particular use of colour was fantastic and really amplified the horrors that Cleo had to face.
Overall, A Haunted Girl was a great read that dealt with heavy subjects against a supernatural backdrop. It'll also resonate not just with teens but adults as well and is worth picking up. I'm so glad that Ethan & Naomi were able to write this story together!
Thanks to Image Comics & Netgalley for this arc.
So much is packed into this graphic novel in backstory alongside the current timeline and it really helps bring everything together. Hiro's identity was also a real gut punch...
The art style & in particular use of colour was fantastic and really amplified the horrors that Cleo had to face.
Overall, A Haunted Girl was a great read that dealt with heavy subjects against a supernatural backdrop. It'll also resonate not just with teens but adults as well and is worth picking up. I'm so glad that Ethan & Naomi were able to write this story together!
Thanks to Image Comics & Netgalley for this arc.
Parasocial by Erica Henderson, Alex de Campi
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
5.0
Parasocial was absolutely amazing, a snapshot into post COVID conventions and dialling the parasocial relationships between fans & celebrities to the absolute max. Super unhinged & brilliant.
The art style + use of phone conversations, social media even AO3 (that ebony darkness username 😂) was the icing on the cake of a fantastic graphic novel.
Thanks to Netgalley & Image Comics for the arc!